Minneola Voters Go To Polls To Elect Mayor

MINNEOLA — It's election day in this south Lake County community, where residents go to the polls today to make just one decision - but an important one.

Who will be mayor for the next two years? On the non-partisan ballot are current Mayor May Griffith and challenger Ray Blanchette.

The community has an estimated 400 registered voters, City Clerk Deane Carden said. The polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and voters cast their ballots at City Hall, 105 Pearl St.

Griffith, 76, a former banker, points to her accomplishments during her two-year tenure as proof she is the best choice for mayor. She says streets have been repaved, city buildings improved and outdated office equipment replaced - and all were accomplished without increasing property taxes.

Blanchette, 53, is a restaurant owner who also works in the construction and plumbing business. He says Griffith makes decisions on her own and has caused dissension among citizens who don't like her tactics. Blanchette says he would listen to the people as he did when a councilman in the late 1970s.

Minneola has about 1,100 residents.

Council members Donald Felt and Mickey Croncich were unopposed for their council seats, so their names won't appear on today's ballot, Carden said.